To Boost Non-Oil Export, NEPC Targets E-Commerce

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council has announced plans to drive the nation’s non-oil export sector through the deployment of e-commerce.

The Trade Promotion Advisor, NEPC, Ganiyu Gbolagade, made this known during NEPC’s Export Day at the 9th Ogun Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture Trade Fair in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to the council, the move is part of its efforts to complement the Federal Government’s plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Gbolagade said that in line with the present administration’s focus on achieving the zero oil plan, the council as part of its promotional activities, partnered a leading African online e-commerce enabler, Mall for Africa, to drive Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in export business in the most convenient and pocket-friendly manner.

He said, “This platform will create the enabling environment for mutual relationship between the MSMEs and the MFA where they can contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. The MFA has a shopping app that offers access to over 200 United States and United Kingdom online stores from Africa.”

Also speaking at the event, the Export Manager, MFA, Liz Oluwadare, said Nigeria had potential to access the global market, saying that the way forward was to get the right connection to help these small businesses get access to the global market.

“We are coming in as an e-commerce agent that has set up a technological enabled online platform for sale of products across the world,” she said.

According to her, trading in large volumes was still a challenge to the MSMEs due to inadequate funding and lack of market access.

He noted that the MFA was trying to bridge the gap between the MSMEs and the global market.